Career Center

Explore an Animal Care Career at Harvard University Cambridge where our animal care programs commitment to excellence in research is unparalleled. You would be working in a state-of-the-art award-winning rodent animal facility. The benefit package at Harvard is exceptional including degree through the extension school.

Perform animal husbandry duties in a complex research environment. Responsible for daily care of various species of laboratory animals including feeding, watering, health observations, and changing and washing cages as assigned. Specific duties and responsibilities include, but are not limited to:

• Feed, water, and care for animals categorized as Biosafety Level 1 or 2 and/or administered hazardous chemicals;
• Maintain animal rooms and facility in a clean and organized manner;
• Administer special diets and water for research or veterinary purposes;
• Perform treatments and assist research and veterinary staff as instructed;
• Maintain accurate and legible documentation and records as needed;
• Identify and report signs of animal illness, injury, and other abnormalities to appropriate personnel;
• Prepare appropriate chemicals to sanitize and disinfect animal rooms, equipment, shipping containers, etc.;
• Assist in animal quarantine and health monitoring programs;
• Receive and house new animals while maintaining necessary paperwork and documentation;
• Conduct animal census as needed;
• Euthanize animals as directed;
• Monitor and ensure availability of animal care supplies, food, bedding, chemical supplies, and equipment;
• Assist with daily operation and coordination of cage wash as needed;
• Rotate with co-workers to coordinate routine team tasks;
• Participate in continuing improvement projects and departmental committees;
• Participate in writing and updating pertinent Standard Operating Procedures (SOP's);
• Assist with training co-workers to perform tasks according to those SOP's;
• Comply with applicable federal, state, and municipal laws and regulations, institutional policies and accreditation standards for the humane care and use of laboratory animals;
• Other projects, duties, and responsibilities as assigned.

• American Association for Laboratory Animal Science (AALAS), Assistant Laboratory Animal Technician (ALAT) certification required within 15 months of start date.
• Please note, this position will be hired at either a grade 47 or grade 48, dependent on the certification level of the successful applicant.
• This position will work a Monday through Friday schedule, 6:30am - 3:00pm.
• The position is considered essential and may be required to report to work during school closures, inclement weather, and/or other emergencies.
• Working during holidays required on a rotating schedule. Other overtime may also be required.

All formal written offers will be made by FAS Human Resources.

We regret that Harvard University does not provide visa sponsorship for this position.

We invite individuals with diverse backgrounds, experiences and abilities to be a part of our community.

Harvard offers an outstanding benefits package including:

• Time Off: 3- 4 weeks paid vacation, paid holiday break, 12 paid sick days, 12.5 paid holidays, and 3 paid personal days per year.
• Medical/Dental/Vision: We offer a variety of excellent medical plans, dental & vision plans, all coverage begins as of your start date.
• Retirement: University-funded retirement plan with full vesting after 3 years of service.
• Tuition Assistance Program: Competitive tuition assistance program, $40 per class at the Harvard Extension School and discounted options through participating Harvard grad schools.
• Transportation: Harvard offers a 50% discounted MBTA pass as well as additional options to assist employees in their daily commute.
• Wellness Options: Harvard offers programs and classes at little or no cost, including stress management, massages, nutrition, meditation and complimentary health services.
• Harvard access to athletic facilities, libraries, campus events and many discounts throughout metro Boston.

Diploma from an accredited high school or GED.

The successful candidate will also have:

• Clear understanding and knowledge of methods, materials, and equipment used in animal care activities;
• Knowledge of animal research and breeding procedures and practices;
• Knowledge of rodent quarantine, health monitoring programs, and other related procedures;
• Ability to follow departmental policies and standard operating procedures (SOPs) in a reliable and safe manner;
• Basic proficiency with digital technology, including Microsoft Office and iPhones or their equivalents;
• Ability to communicate effectively in written and spoken English;
• Enthusiasm for working in a team-based culture;
• Respect for others and compassion for animals.